You, Too, Can Hear The Best Of U2

Boy (1980) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2: Callow post-punk that owes a lot to Joy Divison and early Public Image Ltd., distinguished by the undulating guitar of The Edge.

October (1981) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2: The foreheads become more furrowed, the messages weightier, the music grander but not necessarily better.

War (1983) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2: A breakthrough. Two anthems for the ages-``Sunday Bloody Sunday,`` ``New Year`s Day``-as the band`s passion comes through with gripping clarity.

Under a Blood Red Sky (1983) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2: A 32-minute mini-album that captures a formidable band at its peak in concert.

The Unforgettable Fire (1984) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2: At times sensual and beautiful, more often muddled, this album is a transitional work that begins the band`s collaboration with those avatars of atmosphere, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.

Wide Awake in America (1985) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2: A four-song EP, with a definitive 8-minute live version of ``Bad.``

Rattle and Hum (1988) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR): Although the movie was heavy-handed, the music is surprisingly loose-limbed, enough to overcome even some of Bono`s more pompous pronouncements.

Achtung Baby (1991) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR): When first reviewed nearly a year ago, ``Achtung Baby`` sounded compelling but flawed, as though the group were banging around in the dark, uncertain of its destination. Now, put in context by the Zoo TV tour, it`s clear that`s exactly the point. Confusion and doubt are the subjects of the album, and its rough edges and corrosive contours are its masterstrokes.